In an effort to defend his political appeal among Catholics, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is to meet today with Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, who has strong ties to the Latino community.
The meeting follows another Kerry held last month with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, who is leading a bishops committee studying the possible sanctions against politicians who defend abortion rights.
Some Catholics say Mahony is one of most liberal of America’s 14 cardinals.
Kerry’s campaign has met with dozens of Catholic theologians, lay people and church leaders in recent weeks to familiarize them with what they say is Kerry’s strong faith. The campaign wants to learn how to defend Kerry against conservative attacks and appeal to Catholic voters better.
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And I say, when they say they’re trying to woo you, Fight The Power. Whether it’s the GOP or Kerryites doing the wooing, forming their Catholic Outreach Committees, playing off however they’ve decided to spin your faith, spurn them.
Further, here’s another teachable moment for you. It’s clear that the Kerry camp is trying to play sympathetic, Public Catholics, including bishops. (Just as the other side does, as well). The bishops have a responsibility to refuse to be played and to really publicly resist this politician’s attempt to define Catholicism on his own terms.
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